Written by Brian Jones- Sighthound Home Inspections, LLC Certified Professional Inspector
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it comes with its share of responsibilities. One crucial step in the homebuying process is the inspection, where potential issues are uncovered before closing the deal. Among the myriad of concerns, some common problems tend to surface time and again, ranging from minor maintenance tasks to more significant repairs. In this article, we'll explore the top five most frequent issues encountered during home inspections and provide practical tips on how homeowners can tackle them head-on. From smoke detectors to air filters, we'll cover it all, empowering you to address these challenges proactively and ensure your home remains a safe, comfortable haven for years to come
1. Vegetation in Contact With Your House
Vegetation in contact with your home is one that is often overlooked yet easily corrected. Any plants or trees that are in contact with the home can be a quick way for moisture to seep into the home.
In the home inspection world, one of the biggest contributors to the damage to a home is water. Home Inspection 101
demonstrates how moisture can enter a home and the amount of damage it can cause. Between mold and the deterioration of a home's building material (subfloors, framing, drywall, etc.), water can be some of the most expensive, yet easily preventable damage to a house.
The fix: Before listing your house, be sure to trim back any bushes, trees, and plants that are in contact with your house. At a minimum, there should be at least 12" between the side of the house and any plants or trees around your home.
2. Common Gutter and Downspout Problems
Speaking of water damage, let's talk about gutters. Gutters are one of the few components of a home whose sole responsibility is protecting your home from water. Gutters prevent roof runoff from draining around the foundation of your home and offer it a chance to be moved adequately away from the foundation. Unfortunately, many homes equipped with gutters often have the gutters clogged up with debris as well as downspouts that discharge directly at the base of the house. This can cause erosion around the foundation and allows moisture to enter the crawlspace or potentially into your home.
The fix: Cleaning out your gutters on a regular basis will prevent them from becoming clogged with debris and will ensure their functionality. Also, your gutter downspouts should discharge rainwater a minimum of 6-8 feet away from the foundation. This often is achieved by adding downspout extensions to ensure prior drainage. The addition of downspout extensions can be a relatively inexpensive upgrade, but some homeowners may choose to install underground drainage lines for the gutter system. Consult with a qualified landscaping contractor to determine the best course of action.
3. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
One of the most frequent issues discovered during a home inspection revolves around the functionality of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Often, inspectors find outdated or malfunctioning units, which can pose significant safety risks to occupants.
The fix: To address this concern, homeowners should routinely inspect and test their detectors, ensuring they're in proper working condition. It's advisable to replace batteries every six months and the detectors themselves every seven to ten years, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, placing detectors strategically throughout the home, especially near bedrooms and common areas, can enhance safety measures and provide early warnings in the event of a fire.
4. Heating and Cooling System Filtration
Another common issue identified during home inspections pertains to HVAC systems, particularly the condition of air filters. Dirty or clogged air filters can lead to reduced indoor air quality, inefficient heating and cooling, and even damage to the HVAC unit itself.
The fix: Homeowners can address this by regularly inspecting and replacing air filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations, typically every one to three months. This simple maintenance task not only improves the performance and longevity of the HVAC system but also promotes healthier indoor air for occupants.
Extra tip: Keep a log near your HVAC unit filter and document the dates that you replace the air filter. Document any HVAC system servicing or maintenance completed (and by what company). If you sell your home in the future, a log that proves you've kept up with regular maintenance and system servicing will show your potentially buyer's that you've cared for the home and improve their perception of the home's condition.
5. Loose Hardware
Loose door knobs and hardware throughout the house (cabinet doors, locks, etc.) are common findings during home inspections that can compromise both safety and security.
These issues may seem minor, but they can indicate underlying problems with the door's structure or installation. Loose hardware can affect the door's ability to latch properly, increasing the risk of unwanted entry or even injury. If a home inspector is ensuring proper function of doors and their locking/latching hardware, they will certainly document observed issues.
The fix: Homeowners can address this concern by tightening loose screws and bolts on door knobs, hinges, and strike plates. If the problem persists, it may indicate a need for more extensive repairs, such as adjusting the door's alignment or replacing worn-out components. Regular inspection and maintenance of door hardware can help ensure smooth operation and provide peace of mind for homeowners concerning their property's security.
Extra tip: This same concept applies for electrical fixtures in the house (such as vanity lights, exterior coach lights, etc). If you feel comfortable tightening any loose electrical fixtures, this will reduce the number of findings that show on the home inspection report.
Conclusion:
While the issues outlined above are not (and should not) be deal breakers, the volume of issues reported in a home inspection report can cause a potential buyer to be overwhelmed with the number of "problems" with a house. If you do your part to take care of these simple repairs, you will indicate to your buyer that you practice due diligence with homeownership and increase their confidence in the reliability of your house.
Sighthound Home Inspections, LLC is a family-owned small business based out of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Sighthound Home Inspections, LLC serves clients looking to sell or purchase homes in Walton County, Bay County, Okaloosa County, Holmes County, Washington County, Escambia County, and Santa Rosa County. In addition to offering full home inspections for real-estate transactions, Sighthound Home Inspections, LLC also offers insurance inspections including roof certifications, Wind Mitigation, and 4-Point Inspections. Call Sighthound Home Inspections, LLC today to learn more about our services and to schedule your inspection! Call today at (850) 296-8329.